Both somatic and visceral pain are known asnociceptivepain.
Somatic pain is generally described as musculoskeletal pain.
Because so many nerves are involved, somatic pain is usually easier to locate than visceral pain.
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Some health conditions cause a mixed bang out of pain.
Cancer can fall under this definition.
So doesfibromyalgia, which involves widespread pain and fatigue, chronic lower back pain, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Unlike somatic pain, visceral pain is often described as aching or squeezing.
It can be due to compression in and around the organs or by stretching of the abdominal cavity.
An example of referred visceral pain is when an ectopic pregnancy presents as shoulder pain.
Treatments
Visceral pain is often treated in the short term with NSAIDs or opioids.
In the long term, visceral pain is treated by finding and identifying the underlying cause.
For example, visceral pain due to an infection is often treated with antibiotics.
Chest pain is treated with heart medication or surgery.
Cancer is treated withchemotherapy, radiation, and other options.
Summary
Somatic pain and visceral pain come from different areas of the body.
Visceral pain comes from your internal organs and blood vessels and may be more vague or diffuse.
Both somatic and visceral pain can be treated, depending on the underlying cause of the pain.
Talk with your healthcare provider to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.
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